Abstract
We have developed a process for the large-scale suspension culture of insect (Spodoptera frugiperda) cells and the production of recombinant proteins using the baculovirus expression system. Cell densities greater than 5 × 106 cells/ml are achieved in 21 L airlift culture. We have also devised a low cost protein-free medium that supports insect cell growth, virus propagation, and product expression similar to that obtained in traditional 10% serum-supplemented media. The protein-free medium facilitates recovery and purification of the recombinant protein product. We demonstrate the utility of this system in the production of human macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) at 40 mg/L.
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Maiorella, B., Inlow, D., Shauger, A. et al. Large-Scale Insect Cell-Culture for Recombinant Protein Production. Nat Biotechnol 6, 1406–1410 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1288-1406
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1288-1406
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